Despite Government Shutdown Chaos, Trump Holds 90% of GOP Support
A new New York Times/Siena College poll reveals a striking paradox in American politics: President Donald J. Trump’s overall approval rating remains low amid a volatile summer of economic uncertainty and looming government shutdown—but his grip on Republican voters is stronger than ever.
Key Poll Findings
- Overall approval: Just 41% of Americans approve of Trump’s job performance.
- Republican support: 90% of G.O.P. voters back the president—unchanged from earlier this year.
- Independent voters: Only 38% approve, down 5 points since June.
- Government shutdown: Begins Wednesday, yet 72% of Republicans say they blame Democrats for the impasse.
Why GOP Loyalty Endures
Political analysts point to several factors keeping Republican voters locked in:
- Media echo chambers: Conservative outlets continue to frame Trump as under siege by “elites” and “deep state” actors.
- Cultural identity: For many GOP voters, supporting Trump is less about policy and more about defending a worldview.
- Lack of viable alternatives: No major Republican challenger has emerged ahead of the 2028 primary cycle.
Approval Breakdown by Demographic
| Group | Approve | Disapprove |
|---|---|---|
| Republicans | 90% | 8% |
| Democrats | 7% | 92% |
| Independents | 38% | 59% |
| White Evangelicals | 86% | 12% |
What This Means Ahead of the Shutdown
With a federal government shutdown set for Wednesday, the poll underscores a political reality: Trump’s base isn’t swayed by institutional crises. Instead, they see conflict as proof of his willingness to “fight.”
For more on how partisanship shapes public opinion, see our deep dive on [INTERNAL_LINK:political-polarization].
